What describes your way of thinking? Are you more likely to say, “Why them and not me?” or “If they can do it, so can I?” Your answer to that question will either motivate you to reach new heights or discourage you from even trying. If you believe you can’t, you won’t.
When you believe that something is possible, your chances of achieving it are greatly enhanced.
On the other hand, some people believe that success is beyond their reach and use that reasoning as an excuse not to try. Instead, they spend their valuable time pointing fingers, making excuses, and complaining that life isn’t fair — because it’s easy. Others are so afraid of failing that they lower expectations to shield themselves from embarrassment in case they do. Last, there are those who allow themselves to be conned into believing that people “like them” don’t stand a chance. So sad!
Your mindset determines whether you have the wind at your back or
face headwinds that hold you back.
The Sky Is the Limit
We all compare ourselves to others. But the way that we compare ourselves varies wildly.
Are you constructive? Some folks say, “If they can do it, so can I.” They try to emulate the behavior of successful people.
Are you destructive? Other folks say, “Why them and not me?” They let anger and resentment get the better of them. Instead of looking for ways to build themselves up, they look for ways to tear others down.
When you believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to, your faith will give you strength, hope, and confidence. You’ll have confidence in your ability and remain steadfast and determined until you reach your final goal.
Conversely, when you believe that others hold an unfair advantage and that the cards are stacked against you, this belief will discourage you from making the effort. Instead of taking the bull by the horns and accepting responsibility for your destiny, you’ll fail to make the personal sacrifice, put in the hard work, and make the commitment required to succeed. In fact, you may even throw in the towel before you start — and then blame others for your misfortune.
If you fail to try, you’ll succeed in failing.
Think of the people you surround yourself with. Do they bring out the best in you or are they holding you back? Do they inspire you to achieve greatness or do they drag you down and wear you out? It’s one thing for you to decide not to try, and quite another for others to rob you of the possibility. You have the ability to achieve anything you want in life. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
The One Who Might Be Holding You Back Is You
You can achieve great things, but you must be willing to try. That will require hard work, sacrifice, and determination. Of course, there will be challenges and obstacles for you to overcome. But the power to achieve your goals is totally within your control. Your frame of mind can work for you or against you. Why handicap yourself and make your life more difficult than it has to be? Failing to achieve something is excusable; failing to try is not. You can blame others all you want, but the real path to success lies within yourself. Don’t throw it away. The one who might be holding you back is you. If you believe you can’t, you won’t.
If You Believe You Can’t, You Won’t
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
The Power of a Positive Attitude
Great Things Start With Great Expectations
Do You Have a Healthy Mindset?
Mental Barriers: What’s Holding You Back?
Do You Have a Victim Mentality?
Surround Yourself With Top-Notch People
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Kare Christine Anderson says
To find a way you can you can succeed, consider exploring the specific upside benefits about the opposite effect of succeeding to help motivate you to get on that path for success
Frank Sonnenberg says
Hi Kare
I agree. Sometimes focusing on what life would be like if you fail to achieve success can be a real motivator. I prefer to think positively and reach for the stars.
Thanks for taking the time to write 🙂
Best,
Frank
Swati says
There are those who will bring you down with their negativity and failures. A good positive start for my day.
Frank Sonnenberg says
Great, Swati
When you believe something’s possible and you set your sights firmly on the prize, you’ve taken the first big step in making it a reality. On the other hand, when you believe you can’t, you won’t. So reach for the stars. Others can stop you for a moment. Only you can stop yourself for good. Remember, it’s amazing what you can do when you don’t know you can’t 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
John Sifonis says
Hi Frank, if I listened to everyone who told me “it can’t be done” I would never have traveled more than 50 miles from my home town, never written a book, never made the decision to work in foreign countries and never make the decision to become an entrepreneur. I always believed I could achieve just about anything and solve any problem if I had enough time. I have failed a lot of times but I never gave up — all it took was a belief in myself, learning from mistakes and hard work.
Frank Sonnenberg says
Hi John
It’s wonderful hearing from you. We can all learn from your experience 🙂
When you believe that something’s possible and you set your sights firmly on the prize, you’ve taken the first big step in making it a reality.
When you believe in yourself, you’ll be proud of who you are rather than pretending to be who others want you to be; you’ll pursue what you love most rather than being hijacked by the needs of others; you’ll strive for the standards that you set for yourself rather than seeking the approval and validation of others.
The fact is, when every part of you believes that the outcome will be positive, something magical happens.
As I say, “Remember, ability determines if you can; attitude determines if you will.”
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank